"slang" Definition

Definitions for the word "slang" from multiple English dictionaries.

1. n.
Very informal words, phrases, or meanings, not regarded as standard and often used by a specific profession, class, etc. v. Use abusive language (to). slangy adj. [origin unknown]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
2. slang
low, vulgar, unwritten, or unauthorized language. _Gipsy_, SLANG, the secret language of the gipsies, synonymous with GIBBERISH, another gipsy word. The word is only to be found in the dictionaries of Webster and Ogilvie. It is given, however, by Grose, in his _Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue_, 1785. SLANG, since it has been adopted as an English word, generally implies vulgar language not known or recognised as CANT; and latterly, when applied to speech, it has superseded the word FLASH. Latterly, however, SLANG has become the generic term for all unauthorized language. The earliest instance of the use of the word that can be found, is the following:— “Let proper nurses be assigned, to take care of these babes of grace, [young thieves].... The master who teaches them should be a man well versed in the cant language commonly called the SLANG patter, in which they should by all means excel.”—_Jonathan Wild’s Advice to his Successor._ LONDON, _J. Scott_, 1758.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
3. slang
a travelling show.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
4. slang
to cheat, to abuse in foul language.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
5. slang
counterfeit or short weights and measures. A SLANG quart is a pint and a half. SLANG measures are lent out at 2d. per day to street salesmen. The term is used principally by costermongers.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
6. slang
a watch-chain. SUPER and SLANG, a watch and chain.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
7. slang
“out on the SLANG,” _i.e._, to travel with a hawker’s licence.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864

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Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "slang" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "slang" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history. The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.

Important Notes
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